Police: We can cope with Capital One Cup clashes

West Midlands Police has been left in the unprecedented situation of having to manage games at Wolves, West Brom, Walsall, Aston Villa and Birmingham City after all were drawn at home in the second round of the Capital One Cup.

Unusually, none of the fixtures have been switched and will all take place tonight. But the police say they are confident that resources will not be stretched.

Highways bosses have warned however that five games taking place in such close proximity could lead to gridlock on the roads.

No officers will be drafted in from neighbouring forces as bosses insisted they had 'enough resources across the force to cover any eventuality'.

Inspector Howard Lewis-Jones, from West Midlands Police's Football Unit, said: "We have experienced high profile matches where more than one of our local clubs has played at home at the same time before without any issues.

"The matches scheduled for August 25 are not deemed to be high-risk fixtures and we are confident that we have enough resources across the force to cover any eventuality."

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, however, said he 'would always welcome further dialogue' with the Football Association regarding games that require a police presence.

Home games for Wolves and West Brom and Aston Villa and Birmingham are normally kept apart to avoid congestion and to ensure the games can be adequately policed.

Although chiefs insist the games are not high-risk, nearly 3,000 Port Vale supporters are making the short trip to The Hawthorns from Stoke, while Notts County fans are also expected to travel in large numbers to watch their side take on Premier League Aston Villa.

West Brom have urged supporters to give themselves plenty of time to get to the ground tonight.

A statement on the club's website says: "Albion supporters are encouraged to arrive early ahead of tonight's Capital One Cup clash with Port Vale.

"Fans who have pre-ordered tickets to sit in the West Stand or Smethwick End can use the newly installed ticket office next to the Smethwick End turnstiles."

Elsewhere, Wolves host Barnet, Birmingham play Gillingham and Walsall entertain Brighton on a congested night of cup football.

Highways England said it expected the M6 to be busy between junctions six at Spaghetti Junction and seven for Great Barr, and nine for Wednesbury and 10 for Walsall, where there are currently roadworks taking place, before and after the games.

They warned supporters heading to the games by road should 'be cautious and plan ahead'.

Supporters have been left puzzled by the decision not to shift any of the games to Wednesday.

Jon Ferguson tweeted: "That Capital One Cup draw must be a nightmare for West Midlands Police! WBA, Villa, Bham, Wolves and Walsall all drawn at home!"